Matthew Perry’s Overdose Case: Second Doctor Sentenced in Connection with His Death
Sentencing Scheduled for Doctor Involved in Matthew Perry’s Death
LOS ANGELES — Tuesday marks a significant moment in the legal proceedings surrounding the death of actor Matthew Perry, as Dr. Salvador Plascencia, one of five defendants implicated in the case, is set to receive his sentence.
Dr. Plascencia, along with clinic operator Dr. Mark Chavez, is accused of procuring ketamine for Perry, who died from an overdose of the drug in October 2023. Federal prosecutors allege that Chavez diverted the drug and illegally obtained prescriptions, all while being aware of the potential dangers associated with its misuse.
Court documents reveal Chavez supplied Plascencia with 22 vials of ketamine and nine lozenges, knowing well the illegality of selling the anesthetic for Perry’s self-administration. In an alarming twist, filings in Los Angeles federal court indicate that Perry was paying $2,000 per vial for the substance, while dealers acquired it for only $12 each.
Chavez, a 55-year-old doctor from San Diego, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Following this, he surrendered his medical license and was sentenced to eight months of home confinement, along with 300 hours of community service. His clinic, located in the San Diego area, was operational at the time of Perry’s tragic death.
Earlier this month, Dr. Plascencia was sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison for his role in the events leading to Perry’s death.
The timeline of the case reveals the interactions between the defendants and their illegal activities. In late September 2023, Plascencia was informed that Perry, who had a documented history of depression and drug addiction, was seeking ketamine. Subsequently, he communicated with Chavez about procuring the drug, leading to a series of text exchanges that highlighted their intent to profit from Perry’s desperation.
Chavez admitted to illegally diverting ketamine from his clinic to sell it to Plascencia. The court papers confirm that he fabricated prescriptions in the names of former patients to facilitate this illicit sale.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that Perry’s official cause of death was the "acute effects of ketamine," with contributing factors including drowning and coronary artery disease, marking his death as accidental.
Perry was discovered unresponsive at his home in Pacific Palisades on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54.
In total, all five defendants in this high-profile case have pleaded guilty. Those charged include Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant, and alleged dealers Erik Fleming and Jasveen Sangha, who is referred to as the "Ketamine Queen."
Iwamasa reportedly injected Perry with ketamine as instructed by Plascencia, with multiple injections occurring on the day of the actor’s demise. Both Fleming and Iwamasa face sentencing in January 2025, with potential prison terms of up to 25 years and 15 years, respectively. Sangha faces an even steeper sentence, having pleaded guilty to several counts, including distribution resulting in death or serious bodily injury, which could lead to a sentence of up to 65 years.
The ongoing repercussions of this case continue to cast a shadow over the legacy of the beloved “Friends” star.
